Cheesy Crab and Tomato Open-Faced Melts
These savory and cheesy open-faced crab melts are a delightful twist on the classic sandwich. Succulent crab meat is combined with green onions and creamy mayonnaise, layered with fresh tomato slices, and topped with melted cheddar cheese on a toasted sourdough English muffin. A hint of cayenne pepper or hot sauce adds a zesty kick. Perfect for a casual lunch or a satisfying snack, these melts are sure to be a hit with cheese lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crabmeat
1/2 lb (flaked)
Green onions
3 (chopped)
Cheddar cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
Additional cheddar cheese
2 ounces (shredded, optional for sprinkling on top)
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup (reduced calorie is fine)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (or adjust to taste, can use hot pepper sauce)
Tomatoes
2 (sliced into 8 rounds)
Sourdough English muffins
4 (split)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler to high.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked crabmeat, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and cayenne pepper (or hot pepper sauce) to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3
Slice each tomato into four even slices, resulting in eight total slices.
4
Place the split sourdough English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Position the sheet 3-4 inches from the broiler heat source and toast for 3-5 minutes until the muffins are golden brown. Carefully remove from the oven.
5
Place one slice of tomato on each toasted English muffin half.
6
Generously top each tomato with approximately 1/2 cup of the crab mixture.
7
If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each sandwich for extra cheesiness.
8
Return the baking sheet to the broiler and broil until the cheese on top is bubbly and begins to brown, approximately 3-5 minutes.
9
Serve the crab melts warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Crab and Tomato Open-Faced Melts?
They are a savory and cheesy twist on a classic sandwich featuring succulent crab meat, green onions, and mayonnaise on toasted sourdough English muffins with fresh tomato slices and melted cheddar cheese.
What type of crabmeat should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of flaked crabmeat. You can use fresh, refrigerated, or high-quality canned crabmeat.
Can I use imitation crab for this recipe?
Yes, imitation crab can be used as a budget-friendly alternative, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly from real crabmeat.
What kind of bread is recommended?
Sourdough English muffins are recommended for their tangy flavor and sturdy texture, but regular English muffins work well too.
What type of cheese is used in these melts?
The recipe uses shredded cheddar cheese, both mixed into the crab filling and sprinkled on top for extra cheesiness.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gouda depending on your flavor preference.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings, with each English muffin half serving as one portion.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild zesty kick from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted or substituted with hot pepper sauce to taste.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, reduced-calorie or light mayonnaise is perfectly fine for this recipe.
How do I prepare the green onions?
You should use 3 green onions and chop them finely before mixing them with the crab and cheese.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 2 tomatoes, each sliced into 4 rounds to provide 8 total slices for the sandwiches.
What temperature should the broiler be set to?
The broiler should be set to the high setting for both toasting the muffins and melting the cheese.
How far should the baking sheet be from the heat?
Position the baking sheet approximately 3-4 inches from the broiler heat source.
How long do I toast the English muffins?
Toast the split English muffins for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown before adding the toppings.
When do I add the tomato slices?
Place one slice of tomato on each toasted English muffin half after they have been removed from their initial toasting.
How much crab mixture goes on each sandwich?
Top each tomato slice with approximately 1/2 cup of the prepared crab and cheese mixture.
Should I add extra cheese on top?
If desired, you can sprinkle an additional 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for extra cheesiness.
How long does the final broiling take?
The final broil takes about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and begins to brown.
Can I make these in a toaster oven?
Yes, a toaster oven with a broil setting is excellent for making smaller batches of these crab melts.
Is this recipe considered quick?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe since it primarily involves mixing ingredients and a few minutes of broiling.
Can I prepare the crab mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the crab, onions, cheese, and mayo ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to assemble and broil.
What should I serve with crab melts?
These pair well with a light green salad, a cup of soup, or some crunchy potato chips.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover assembled melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator; however, they are best enjoyed fresh to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Can I freeze these crab melts?
Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise and fresh tomatoes do not hold up well to the freezing and thawing process.
How do I prevent the English muffins from getting soggy?
Pre-toasting the English muffins until golden brown creates a barrier that helps prevent the tomato and crab mixture from making the bread soggy.
Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?
Finely diced celery or red bell pepper could be added for extra crunch and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because of the sourdough English muffins, but you can use gluten-free English muffins as a substitute.
Can I use hot sauce instead of cayenne?
Yes, hot pepper sauce can be used in place of cayenne pepper to add a similar zesty kick.
What is the total amount of cheese used?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of shredded cheddar in the mix and an optional 2 ounces for topping, totaling 6 ounces.
How should I serve the melts?
Serve them warm immediately after broiling for the best texture and flavor.